Official Global Programme Explained
May 18-22, 2026 • Po Delta, Italy • 200 Youth Leaders • 40+ Countries • Fully Funded Biodiversity Forum
The UNESCO Youth Forum 2026, officially part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, is a 5-day international conference bringing together up to 200 young environmental leaders aged 18-35 from 40+ countries to drive global action on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Taking place May 18-22, 2026, at the Po Delta Biosphere Reserve in Italy, this fully funded forum represents the third global gathering of the MAB Youth community, following editions in 2017 and 2019. The forum aligns with UNESCO’s Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026-2035), which specifically prioritizes youth leadership (Action Target 20) in biodiversity governance.
All accommodation and meals provided at no cost. Limited travel support available for eligible participants. This fully funded opportunity removes barriers for talented young environmental leaders globally to participate in shaping international biodiversity policy.
The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is the world’s largest scientific network for sustainable management of biodiversity. Established in 1970, MAB operates across 136 countries with 759 biosphere reserves covering 5% of Earth’s surface and home to 260 million people. The programme demonstrates how humans can sustainably use nature while protecting biodiversity.
MAB represents an interdisciplinary, intergovernmental approach to conservation, combining scientific research, education, policy development, and community engagement. Each biosphere reserve combines protected core areas with sustainable use zones, balancing biodiversity conservation with human development needs.
Key MAB Principles: Biosphere reserves serve as “living laboratories” for testing biodiversity conservation strategies, sustainable development approaches, and human-environment interactions. They function as platforms for scientific research, environmental education, and community-based conservation, demonstrating how protecting nature can benefit local economies and improve livelihoods.
The Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, located in northeastern Italy, is Europe’s largest delta ecosystem. The reserve encompasses the delta plain created by the River Po, comprising coastal dune systems, lagoons, marshes, canals, and coastal forests. It hosts over 360 bird species, including purple herons, spoonbills, glossy ibis, little egrets, and a colony of over 10,000 pink flamingos.
Conservation Importance: The Po Delta is Italy’s only delta system and home to the country’s largest wetland reserve. The ecosystem is critical for bird migration, fish breeding, and supporting traditional agricultural and fishing economies. It represents a perfect example of sustainable coexistence between nature conservation and human livelihoods.
Cultural Significance: The Po Delta region, including the city of Ferrara, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for Renaissance cultural heritage, combining biodiversity protection with historical and cultural preservation. The location offers unique immersion in Europe’s natural and cultural heritage.
Your voice shapes international biodiversity strategy for the next decade. Forum recommendations directly inform UNESCO’s strategic planning and MAB governance, giving you direct influence over global environmental decision-making.
Engage with 200+ exceptional young environmental leaders from 40+ countries. Build global networks that often develop into professional partnerships, research collaborations, and lifelong friendships.
All accommodation and meals fully covered by UNESCO. Travel support available for eligible participants. This removes financial obstacles to global environmental leadership development.
Learn from leading conservation scientists and environmental experts globally. Gain knowledge of cutting-edge biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable development strategies.
Gain direct exposure to international organizations, conservation institutions, and environmental careers. Build professional relationships with potential employers and mentors globally.
Earn official UNESCO recognition and join prestigious MAB Youth alumni network spanning continents and sectors, opening doors globally for future environmental opportunities.
National MAB Youth Focal Points (Official Representatives): Youth designated by national MAB committees as official representatives are automatically accepted without competitive selection, provided they submit required documentation confirming their official designation from the MAB Secretariat. These positions offer streamlined participation for designated national coordinators.
Open Call for General Participants: Young people aged 18-35 actively engaged with UNESCO Biosphere Reserves can apply through competitive selection. “Actively engaged” means living in, working for, studying at, volunteering with, conducting research in, or supporting conservation activities related to biosphere reserves globally. This pathway welcomes diverse international candidates from any biosphere reserve or region.
Expression of Interest Form: Complete official UNESCO MAB online application form with personal information, educational/professional background, and biosphere reserve engagement details.
Letter of Endorsement: Support letter from your Biosphere Reserve, national MAB committee, or UNESCO national commission confirming your active engagement and conservation contributions.
Experience Description: 500-1000 character statement describing your biodiversity conservation experience, biosphere reserve engagement, initiatives, and measurable outcomes achieved.
Current Curriculum Vitae (CV): Updated 1-2 page CV highlighting education, professional/volunteer experience, conservation projects, awards, and relevant skills and achievements.
Contact Information: Valid email address, phone number with country code, current residential country, and primary institution/organization affiliation.
Travel Funding Indication: Statement indicating whether you have independent travel funding secured. If not, indicate interest in travel support consideration. Grants prioritize underrepresented regions and demonstrated financial need.
Confirm age 18-35, active biosphere reserve engagement, English proficiency, and ability to attend May 18-22, 2026 in Italy.
Prepare CV, endorsement letter, experience description, and contact details. Ensure all documents are professional and error-free.
Contact your biosphere reserve, national MAB committee, or UNESCO national commission to request official endorsement letter confirming your conservation engagement.
Visit UNESCO MAB official website (www.unesco.org/en/mab) and locate the 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026 application link. Review all instructions.
Fill out online form with personal information, educational/professional background, biosphere reserve affiliation, and engagement specifics.
Craft 500-1000 character description of your conservation work, achievements, and biosphere reserve engagement. Be specific, authentic, and outcome-focused.
Submit CV, endorsement letter, and supporting materials through application portal. Ensure files are clear, properly formatted, and legible.
Check entire application for accuracy, completeness, spelling, grammar, and professionalism. Sloppy submissions suggest carelessness and reduce competitiveness.
Submit complete application before March 23, 2026, 23:59 CET. Late submissions absolutely not accepted. Save confirmation receipt for records.
UNESCO MAB evaluates applications based on conservation engagement, geographic diversity, sector diversity, and potential contribution to forum objectives.
Selected participants notified by email by mid-April 2026. Notification includes forum details, schedule, visa guidance, and logistics information.
Arrange international travel, secure Italian visa if applicable, prepare for transformative 5-day environmental leadership experience at Po Delta.
Official UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2026 expression of interest portal launches. Prospective participants can begin submitting applications.
Submit your complete application throughout the open period. Early submission encouraged as applications reviewed on rolling basis by committee.
Final absolute deadline for submission of all application materials. Late applications not accepted under any circumstances. Submit well before deadline.
UNESCO MAB Secretariat performs initial screening and eligibility verification of submitted applications and documentation.
Comprehensive evaluation of qualified applications by committee assessing conservation commitment, diversity, and forum contribution potential.
Selected participants officially notified via email. Notification includes acceptance letter, complete forum details, visa support information, and logistics.
Accepted participants apply for Italian visas, arrange international travel, confirm attendance, and receive pre-forum orientation materials.
Five-day forum takes place at Po Delta Biosphere Reserve in Italy. Participants engage in sessions, fieldwork, networking, and collaborative action planning.
Submit Early and Carefully: Submit weeks before deadline showing genuine commitment. Early submission allows careful review. Don’t rush near deadline when errors happen.
Secure Strong Endorsement: Your endorsement letter is crucial. Choose recommenders who know your biosphere reserve work intimately and can speak specifically about your real impact and leadership capacity.
Highlight Concrete Conservation Impact: Share measurable achievements, specific examples, and real outcomes. Numbers, case studies, and results matter more than vague environmental passion statements.
Connect to MAB Mission & Action Target 20: Show clear understanding of UNESCO’s MAB Programme goals and the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan. Explicitly link your work to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and climate action.
Demonstrate Leadership Capacity: Emphasize your ability to contribute meaningfully to group discussions, share knowledge with international peers, and help implement forum recommendations in your region.
Write Authentically: Express genuine passion for environmental work without exaggeration. Authenticity stands out and builds trust with reviewers. Clichéd environmental statements are obvious and unhelpful.
Proofread Obsessively: Typos suggest carelessness and reduce competitiveness. Have multiple people review application before submission for perfect professional presentation.
Apply Confidently Even if Imperfect: UNESCO values diverse perspectives and backgrounds. If you’re 18-35 with genuine biosphere reserve engagement, apply. Don’t let perfectionism prevent your participation.
UNESCO MAB Official Website: www.unesco.org/en/mab – Complete MAB information, biosphere reserve network details, programme structure
3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026: www.unesco.org/en/articles/3rd-global-mab-youth-forum-2026-committed-future-we-want – Official forum page with detailed application information and FAQ
MAB Secretariat Contact: [email protected] – Official email for all inquiries regarding forum and applications
Biosphere Reserves Database: www.unesco.org/en/biosphere – Locate biosphere reserves worldwide and find your regional youth network
Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026-2035): Available on UNESCO MAB website – Strategic direction for global biosphere conservation and youth involvement
The 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026 is an unparalleled opportunity to directly influence the future of biodiversity conservation globally. With all accommodation and meals provided, your only responsibility is getting to Italy. Join 200+ exceptional young environmental leaders from 40+ countries. Shape UNESCO’s strategy through 2035. Whether you’re a conservation researcher, environmental student, sustainability professional, or biodiversity advocate, your voice and leadership matter.
Apply before March 23, 2026. The future of Earth’s biosphere depends on youth like you leading change.
Apply to UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2026
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